A new leader has been elected for Carlisle’s Labour group.
Les Tickner has stepped down and will be replaced by Lisa Brown, who represents Denton Holme and Morton South.
Councillor Tickner said he had decided against standing for election for the new Cumberland Council, which will come into being in April 2023 and replace the existing local authorities along with Westmorland and Furness Council.
Elections for the new councils will be held in May.
Coun Tickner said: “These elections are for a five-year term and because of other work commitments and interests I am not in a position to commit to five years.
“It is virtually impossible to work and be a ward councillor, portfolio holder and leader.
“I feel the new authority needs continuity and a Labour group leader that is fully invested in the creation and delivery of this new body.
“In the shadow year this is going to involve many additional meetings that I am unable to guarantee I will be in a position to attend.”
Mayor of Carlisle Pamela Birks announced the change in leadership at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday.
Coun Brown said: “We need to be strong and work together as a team pushing forward. The Labour councillors on the city group are looking to be re-elected so we need to make sure we get Labour’s message out there.
“I’m confident in what Labour has to offer locally and nationally. If I didn’t think it was Labour that was the better party that had the better policy, ideas, ambition and vision I wouldn’t be doing this, especially not having a baby that’s only 12 weeks old.
“I believe so strongly it’s only Labour that has the ambition to make this council transformative.”
Coun Tickner, who represents Newtown and Morton North, will continue as deputy leader and shadow portfolio holder for economy and environment until the new unitary councils come into force.
He said Coun Brown had been “an excellent deputy leader and will be an even better leader”.
It was also announced at the meeting that as leader, Coun Brown will also now represent Labour on the Cumberland Council Joint Committee.
Joint committees are tasked with laying the groundwork for Cumbria’s new unitary councils before they take over in 2023, this involves making recommendations on policy and the constitution.
Coun Tickner said: “Our next task is to take overall control of the new Cumberland authority in May and we are all looking forward to delivering policies that will improve the life chances and prosperity of every one in the county whist retaining the history, heritage and uniqueness of Carlisle.”
